When it comes to fitness trackers, there’s only really one King of the Hill, and that’s undeniably Fitbit. With their Charge HR and Fitbit Flex products, they’ve become the de facto name in fitness trackers and wearables. Earlier this year, we saw the firm announce the new Fitbit Alta, a cross between the Charge and the Flex, and now these best-selling trackers are getting upgrades all of their own. Focusing on the Charge 2, Fitbit have streamlined the lineup, and are only offering one Charge 2, which will feature heart rate tracking, and unlike the original, will offer interchangeable bands just as the original Flex did.
No matter which of the Fitbit Charge 2 collections you opt for, they will all feature the same tracking capabilities. These include built-in GPS for those looking to track their runs and bike routes without having to take their phone with them, as well as a 3-axis accelerometer, an altimeter and an optical heart rate tracker. With an improved, and now-larger OLED display, the Charge 2 is capable of displaying more information to make checking your progress while on the move a lot easier, and it also allows the new on-device relax feature to function. This uses your heart rate as well as proven breathing techniques to prompt you when and for how long to take a breath in order to help you unwind at the end of a long day, and also works as a way to help you calm down after a difficult workout. Featuring many of the same tracking abilities as the original Charge, the Charge 2 sits in between Fitbit’s smartwatch options while firmly planting one foot in the fitness tracker world.
Unlike the original Charge, the Charge 2 is to offer users interchangeable bands for different occasions, and it will be available to purchase in different collections, which vary in price. The entry-level Classic Collection, which costs $150 comes in a number of different colors and offers textured, sweatproof bands (unlike the new Flex 2, the Charge 2 cannot be used while swimming). Moving up to the Luxe Collection, the Charge 2 will be available with leather bands, which will also be available separately. While neither the Luxe Collection, or the Special Edition Collection have pricing, it’s safe to say they won’t be cheap. All of the available bands as well as the Charge 2 itself will be available in Small, Medium and Large options as before, and those keen on getting their hands on one can pre-order one right away.
